术前丙氨酸氨基转移酶水平对合并肝硬化的肝癌患者R0切除术预后的影响

目的 研究分析术前血清丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)水平对合并肝硬化的肝细胞癌(LC-HCC)患者R0切除术预后的影响.方法 回顾性分析2000年1月至2012年12月于我院获RO切除术的724例合并肝硬化的肝癌患者临床和随访资料.根据术前血清ALT水平,将患者分为增高组(ALT＞50 U/L)和对照组(ALT≤50 U/L),并对比分析两组肝癌术后的结局.结果 与对照组相比,增高组男性比例、年龄《60岁比例、血小板＜ 100×109/L比例、乙肝表面抗原(HBsAg)阳性比例、侵及肝被膜比例、随访期间复发率和病死率较多.单因素分析显示,增高组的1、2、5、10年总体生存率和无瘤生存率明显比对照组要低(P＜0.05).Cox多因素分析显示,术前血小板＜100×109/L、肿瘤多发、肿瘤直径＞5 cm、血管癌栓及术前血清ALT＞50 U/L是影响患者生存的独立危险因素;手术切缘＜0.5 cm、肿瘤多发、肿瘤直径＞5 cm、血管癌栓及术前血清ALT＞50 U/L是影响患者复发的独立危险因素.结论 术前血清ALT水平增高是预示合并肝硬化的肝癌患者R0切除术后预后的重要因素之一,其临床价值应被充分重视.     

乙型肝炎相关性肝癌肝移植术后远期生存风险因素的分析

目的探讨原发性肝癌(HCC)伴乙型肝炎(乙肝)后肝硬化患者肝移植术后的生存影响因素。方法采用回顾性分析方法,选择对北京武警医院2005年至2010年309例HCC伴乙肝后肝硬化实施肝移植术后预防性抗乙肝治疗患者,分析影响其预后的因素。结果单因素和多因素分析显示肝移植后无瘤生存率的独立预测风险因素为:1肿瘤大小7.5 cm(P=0.011);2肿瘤数量4(P=0.006);3肝移植术前甲胎蛋白(AFP)≥2 000μg/L(P=0.024);4出现血管侵犯(P=0.048);5肝移植术前天冬氨酸转氨酶(AST)水平≥3倍正常值(P=0.043);6肝移植术前碱性磷酸酶(ALP)水平≥2倍正常值(P=0.005)。肝移植术前进行抗肿瘤治疗患者较未治疗者的生存率差异有统计学意义(P=0.021)。肝移植术前甲胎蛋白(AFP)5 000μg/L是预测较差生存的风险因素(P=0.000)。结论肝移植术前肿瘤特征、AFP、血清AST及ALP水平是乙肝相关性肝癌肝移植术后远期生存风险的预测因素。肝移植术前进行抗肿瘤及抗乙肝病毒治疗可能有助于提高乙肝相关性肝癌患者肝移植术后的生存率。     

不同肝移植术式围手术期液体管理对术后肺部并发症发生的影响

目的评价不同经典原位肝移植术式及围手术期液体管理对术后肺部并发症发生的影响。方法回顾性分析南京军区福州总医院从2003年4月至2007年3月行经典原位肝移植手术的终末期肝病患者107例,单因素分析兼多因素Logistic回归分析患者术前(MELD评分,腹水状况,供肝冷缺血时间)、术中(手术方式,输液总量,晶体液体量,胶体液体量,输血液制品总量,白蛋白使用量,手术时间,无肝期时间)和术后(前3天每天的液体出入量)等情况与肝移植术后肺部并发症发生率的相关性。结果统计MELD评分≤15分和>15分且<25分病例,标准经典原位肝移植组和改良经典原位肝移植组的肺部并发症发生率有显著差异。改良经典原位肝移植组比标准经典原位肝移植组术中输液总量>10L的患者(P=0.020)和术后前3天至少有2天的液体平衡≤-300mL的患者均减少(P=0.023)。肝移植术中输液总量>10L(P=0.023)和输血液制品总量>4L(P=0.032)是术后发生肺部并发症的危险因素,而采用改良经典原位肝移植(P=0.006)和术后前3天至少有2天的液体平衡≤-300mL(P=0.040)则是保护因素。结论改良经典原位肝移植术和术后前3天至少有2天的液体平衡≤-300mL,能够显著降低术后的肺部并发症发生率。     

原位肝移植逆灌注法对术后肺部并发症的影响

目的对比经典原位肝移植术和下腔静脉逆灌注肝移植术的围术期液体处理情况,并探讨两种手术方式对术后肺部并发症的影响。方法回顾性分析我院从2003年1月至2008年12月行肝移植手术的终末期肝病患者169例,根据手术方式的不同分为经典原位肝移植组（经典组）46例和下腔静脉逆灌注原位肝移植组（逆灌流组）123例。观察两组在不同Meld评分下两组患者肺部并发症的发生情况。分析比较两组患者围术期相关因素与术后肺部并发症情况的相关性。结果在Meld评分≤15分和15~25分的情况下,逆灌流组的肺部并发症显著低于经典组。逆灌流组和经典组相比,术中输液总量〉10L和输血液制品总量〉4L的患者明显减少（P=0.023和P=0.040）,术后前3d至少有2d的液体平衡≤-300ml的患者明显增多（P=0.048）。结论与标准经典原位肝移植术相比,下腔静脉逆灌注肝移植能够降低术后肺部并发症的发生率。     

肝移植术后限制与开放性输血的随机对照研究

目的探讨限制性输血与开放性输血对肝移植术后无活动性出血病人的影响。方法将中山大学附属第一医院2004年7月至2007年1月收治的226例血红蛋白<90g/L的肝移植术后无活动性出血的病人随机分为两组,一组为限制性输血组112例(血红蛋白维持在70~90g/L),另一组为开放性输血组114例(血红蛋白维持在100~120g/L)。比较两组病人30d病死率、入住ICU的时间、机械通气的时间和输血量的差异。结果ICU入住时间(2.5d vs 2.3d)、30d病死率(2.7% vs 3.5%)、术后肝功能恢复差异无显著性意义(P>0.05)。限制组机械通气时间为(8.5±3.3)h,开放组为(9.1±4.2)h,(P>0.05)。30d内并发症发生率差异也无显著性意义。结论对于肝移植术后无活动性出血病人,限制性输血是一种有效、安全的策略。     

肝移植围手术期液体治疗的临床研究

目的 探讨肝移植围手术期的液体治疗与术后早期预后的关系,为肝移植围手术期合理的液体治疗提供依据.方法 回顾性分析1996年7月至2005年12月的62例肝移植受者资料,根据术后早期是否有肺部并发症(包括肺水肿、急性肺损伤、肺炎、急性呼吸窘迫综合征),将受者分为有并发症组和无并发症组.应用单因素分析比较两组受者围手术期中的23项参数,然后进行logis-tic多因素回归分析,筛选出影响早期肺部并发症的一些变量;并比较这些变量对术后恢复情况的影响.结果 有并发症组和无并发症组受者的23项参数比较发现:术前肺功能、术中入量、术中出血量、术中出入量差、术后第1天入量、术后第1天的液体平衡≤-14 ml/kg和术后第1天及术后3 d内的另1 d液体平衡均≤-14 ml/kg的差异有统计学意义.将有统计学意义的参数作为自变量、术后并发症作为因变量,进行logistic多因素回归分析,结果术前肺功能、术中出入量差>62 ml/kg、术后第1天入量≤44ml/kg和术后第1天及术后3 d内的另1 d液体平衡均≤-14ml/kg为影响术后早期肺部并发症的因素.结论 肝移植围手术期液体治疗中,术中和术后维持液体平衡是减少肝移植术后肺部并发症的重要措施,尤其是术后前3 d在血流动力学稳定的前提下,适当的液体负平衡有利于受者恢复正常.     

甲胎蛋白异质体3含量对早期肝癌的预后价值

目的 探讨甲胎蛋白异质体3(lentil lectin-reactive alpha-fetoprotein-L3,AFP-L3)的含量对早期肝癌的预后价值.方法 97例早期肝癌患者根据术前AFP和AFP-13的含量分为:(1)AFP阳性、AFP-L3阴性组(29例):AFP＞20 μg/L & AFP-13＜15%;(2)AFP-L3、AFP均低含量组(16例):15%≤AFP-L3≤50% & 20 μg/L≤AFP≤200 μg/L;(3)AFP-L3、AFP均高含量组(13例):AFP-L3＞50% & AFP＞200 μg/L;(4)AFP-L3高含量、AFP低含量组(24例):AFP-13＞50%& 20 μg/L≤AFP≤200 μg/L;(5)AFP-L3低含量、AFP高含量组(15例):15%≤AFP-L3≤50% & AFP＞200 μg/L.对各组患者的肿瘤分化程度、术后1、2、3年生存率和无瘤生存率进行分析.结果 AFP-13阴性患者的肿瘤分化程度、术后3年生存率和无瘤牛存率明显优于AFP-L3阳性患者(χ2=21.051,10.043,4.450,6.977,25.566,P＜0.05).AFP-L3高含量组患者的肿瘤分化程度、术后1、2、3年生存率和无瘤生存率明显低于低含量组(χ2=7.938,3.488,9.085,P＜0.05).结论 AFP-L3含量的增高提示肿瘤恶性程度高,预后不良,尤其是AFP水平低时.手术前后检测AFP-L3含量对于患者预后的评价具有指导意义.     

原发性肝癌精准肝切除术后应用羟乙基淀粉的临床研究

目的 探讨精准肝切除术后应用羟乙基淀粉(130/0.4)对合并肝硬化的原发性肝癌患者术后恢复的影响.方法 采用前瞻性、非随机对照研究的方法 ,将自2009年1月-2010年5月,在南京大学医学院附属鼓楼医院行肝切除术的108例合并肝硬化的原发性肝癌患者,分为(1)羟乙基淀粉治疗组:54例.术后3 d内使用羟乙基淀粉(1 30/0.4)500 mL/d;(2)白蛋白治疗组:54例.术后3 d内使用人血白蛋白者10 g/d.比较两组患者术前、术后2,4,7 d的ALT,AST,白蛋白,C-反应蛋白(CRP)水平,以及术后并发症发生率,住院天数.结果 术前两组临床资料、肝切除类型、范围及术中出血量均具有可比性(均P＞0.05).与白蛋白治疗组比较,羟乙基淀粉治疗组患者在术后2,4,7 d的ALT,AST,自蛋白水平,术后住院天数均无统计学差异(P＞0.05).羟乙基淀粉治疗组术后2 d的CRP较白蛋白治疗组有所下降,差异有统计学意义(t=6.351,P=0.000);术后4,7d的CPR也有所下降,但无统计学差异(P＞0.05).术后并发症包括切口感染、胸腔积液、腹腔积液、肺部感染、腹腔出血、胆汁漏及腹腔感染.羟乙基淀粉组共有28例发生一种或两者上述并发症,发生率为51.9%(28/54),白蛋白组共有39例发生一种或两者上述并发症,发生率为72.2%(39/54),两组比较有统计学差异(χ2=4.757,P=0.047).结论 羟乙基淀粉在合并肝硬化的原发性肝癌患者行肝切除术后早期应用可以有效节约白蛋白的用量,控制术后的炎症反应,降低围手术期并发症的发生率.     

肝癌肝移植术后肿瘤复发的防治策略

原发性肝细胞癌(肝癌)是常见的恶性肿瘤之一,大部分肝癌患者合并肝硬化。对于肿瘤位置特殊无法手术切除或合并严重肝硬化无法耐受手术的患者,肝移植就成为较为合适的治疗手段。但是,肝癌肝移植术后肿瘤复发是影响患者长期生存的重要因素。大量研究资料显示,一旦发生肝移植     

重组人红细胞生成素联合铁剂治疗在髋膝关节置换术贫血患者中的应用研究

目的观察重组人红细胞生成素联合铁剂治疗在初次髋、膝关节置换术贫血患者中的有效性及安全性。方法回顾性纳入2013年6月至2015年6月于我科行初次髋、膝关节置换术的贫血患者,根据术前是否使用重组人红细胞生成素及铁剂分为治疗组与对照组。术中所有患者均静脉联合局部使用氨甲环酸减少失血。主要观察指标为血红蛋白(hemoglobin,Hb)水平及输血率,次要指标为术前等待时间、住院时间及并发症发生率(包括感染、深静脉血栓形成、过敏、发热)。结果共纳入147例患者(髋关节置换术89例、膝关节置换术58例),治疗组84例,对照组63例。治疗组入院时Hb(105.38±7.57)g/L,术前Hb为(115.20±10.62)g/L;对照组入院时Hb(110.75±8.95)g/L,术前Hb为(112.30±12.62)g/L。治疗组术前Hb平均提高10 g/L,对照组无明显改变,差异有统计学意义(P0.001)。治疗组术后第1、3、5天的Hb水平均高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.001)。治疗组术后第3天Hb平均降低18 g/L,对照组为22 g/L,差异有统计学意义(P=0.007)。所有患者中,仅有1例患者接受输血,无切口部位感染、深静脉血栓、过敏反应发生。结论重组人红细胞生成素联合铁剂治疗可安全有效的提高初次髋膝关节置换术前贫血患者血红蛋白水平,促进术后快速康复。     

Vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction during major abdominal surgery

Background : We investigated the vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction (MT) with hypotension due to prostacyclin (PGI₂) release in patients undergoing abdominal surgery with a combined general and epidural anesthesia. Methods : In a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study we administered 400 mg ibuprofen (i.v.) in 42 patients scheduled for abdominal surgery. General anesthesia was combined with epidural anesthesia (T4-L1). Before as well as 5, 15, 30, 45, and 90 min after MT we recorded plasma osmolality, hemodynamics and measured 6-keto-PGFlα (stabile metabolite of PGI₂), TXB₂ (stabile metabolite of thromboxane A₂) active renin, and arginine vasopressin (AVP) plasma concentrations by radioimmunoassay. Catecholamine levels were assessed by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection. Results : Following MT, arterial hypotension occurred along with a substantial PGI₂ release. This was completely abolished by ibuprofen administration. Although plasma levels of 6-keto-PGF_1α (1133 (708) vs. 60 (3) ng/L, median (median absolute deviation), P=0.0001, placebo vs. ibuprofen) remained significantly elevated, blood pressure was restored within 30 min after MT in the placebo group. At the same point in time plasma concentrations of TXB² (164 (87) vs. 58 (1) ng/L, P=0.0001), epinephrine (46 (33) vs. 14 (6) ng/L, P=0.001), AVP (41 ± (18) vs. 12 (7) ng/L, P=0.0004), and active renin (27 (12) vs. 12 (4) ng/L, P = 0.001) were significantly higher in placebo-treated patients. Conclusion : Under combined general and epidural anesthesia arterial hypotension following MT due to endogenous PGI₂ release is associated with enhanced release of AVP, active renin, epinephrine and thromboxane A₂, presumably contributing to hemodynamic stability within 30 min after MT.     

A comparison of the inhibitory effects of four volatile anaesthetics on the metabolism of chlorzoxazone, a substrate for CYP2E1, in rabbits

Background: Halothane inhibits in vitro and in vivo activity of cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 2E1. There are several fluorinated volatile anaesthetics besides halothane, and most of them are defluorinated by CYP2E1. It is unclear whether other fluorinated anaesthetics inhibit the in vivo activity of CYP2E1.
Methods: We compared the inhibitory effects of therapeutic concentrations of four inhalational anaesthetics, halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane, on chlorzoxazone metabolism in rabbits receiving artificial ventilation.
Results: All four inhalational anaesthetics decreased arterial blood pressure and increased plasma chlorzoxazone concentration. However, no significant differences in the plasma chlorzoxazone concentration were found between the four anaesthetics. The estimated chlorzoxazone clearance increased after beginning inhalation with all four agents, but no significant difference in clearance was noted between agents.
Conclusions: At therapeutic concentrations, the in vivo inhibitory effect on chlorzoxazone metabolism was similar for all four inhalational anaesthetics examined, even though their chemical characteristics and extent of hepatic metabolism differ considerably.     

A Teaspoon Pump for Pumping Blood with High Hydraulic Efficiency and Low Hemolysis Potential

Abstract: Virtually all blood pumps contain some kind of rubbing, sliding, closely moving machinery surfaces that are exposed to the blood being pumped. These valves, internal bearings, magnetic bearing position sensors, and shaft seals cause most of the problems with blood pumps. The original teaspoon pump design prevented the rubbing, sliding machinery surfaces from contacting the blood. However, the hydraulic efficiency was low because the blood was able to "slip around" the rotating impeller so that the blood itself never rotated fast enough to develop adequate pressure. An improved teaspoon blood pump has been designed and tested and has shown acceptable hydraulic performance and low hemolysis potential. The new pump uses a nonrotating "swinging" hose as the pump impeller. The fluid enters the pump through the center of the swinging hose; therefore, there can be no fluid slip between the revolving blood and the revolving impeller. The new pump uses an impeller that is comparable to a flexible garden hose. If the free end of the hose were swung around in a circle like half of a jump rope, the fluid inside the hose would rotate and develop pressure even though the hose impeller itself did not "rotate"; therefore, no rotating shaft seal or internal bearings are required.     

Microspheres Based Detoxification System: A New Method in Convective Blood Purification

Abstract: A variety of protein-bound or hydrophobic substances, accumulating as a result of pathologic conditions such as exogenous or endogenous intoxications, are removed poorly by conventional detoxification methods because of low accessibility (hemodialysis), insufficient adsorption capabilities (hemosorption), low efficiency (peritoneal dialysis), or economic limitations (high-volume plasmapheresis). Combining advantages of existing methods with microspheric technology, a module-based system was designed. Major operating parameters of the latter can be modified to allow for adjustment to individual clinical situations. An extracorporeal blood circuit including a plasmafilter is combined with a secondary high-velocity plasma circuit driven by a centrifugal pump. Different microspheric adsorbers can be combined in one circuit or applied in sequence. Thus, a prolonged treatment can be tailored using specially designed selective adsorber materials. Comparing this system with existing methods (high-flux hemodialysis, molecular adsorbent recycling system), results from our in vitro studies and animal experiments demonstrate the superior efficiency of substance removal.     

Tissue perfusion in relation to cardiac output during continuous positive-pressure ventilation and administration of propranolol or verapamil

Background : Our objective was to determine whether administration of propranolol or verapamil modifies the hemodynamic adaptation to continuous positive-pressure ventilation (CPPV), in particular the regional distribution of cardiac output (CO).
Methods : General hemodynamics and regional blood flows assessed by microsphere technique (15 (μm) were recorded in 16 anesthetized pigs during spontaneous breathing (SB) and CPPV with 8 cm H₂O end-expiratory pressure (CPPV8) before and after intravenous administration of propranolol (0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.15 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8) or verapamil (0.1 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8).
Results : CPPV8 depressed CO by 25% without shifts in its relative distribution with the exception of a noteworthy increase in adrenal perfusion. Propranolol increased arterial blood pressure, and due to a fall in heart rate, CO dropped by 25%. The kidneys and, to a lesser extent, the splanchic region and central nervous system received increased fractions of the remaining CO at the expense of skeletal muscle flow. Similar patterns were seen during SB and CPPV8 such that the combination of propranolol and CPPV8 depressed CO by 50%. The circulatory effects of verapamil were less evident but myocardial perfusion tended to increase.
Conclusions : The combination of propranolol or verapamil with CPPV does not result in any specific hemodynamic interaction in anesthetized pigs, except that the combined effect of propranolol and CPPV may severely reduce CO.     

Volatile anaesthetics reduce adhesion of blood platelets under low-flow conditions in the coronary system of isolated guinea pig hearts

Background : Inhibitory effects of volatile anaesthetics on platelet aggregation have been demonstrated in several studies. However, the influence of volatile anaesthetics on intracoronary platelet adhesion has not been elucidated so far.
Methods : Isolated hearts of guinea pigs were perfused with buffer in the absence or presence of volatile anaesthetics (0.5 and 1 MAC) at constant coronary flow rates of 5 ml/min for 25 min, then 1 ml/min for 30 min and again 5 ml/min for 10 min. Before, during and after low-flow perfusion, a bolus of human platelets was applied into the coronary system. To simulate thrombogenic conditions, 0.3 U/ml human thrombin was infused during low-flow perfusion and reperfusion. The number of platelets sequestered to the endothelium was calculated from the difference between coronary in- and output of platelets. The myocardial production of lactate and consumption of pyruvate and coronary perfusion pressure were also determined.
Results : At a flow rate of 5 ml/min only about 3% of the applied platelets did not emerge from the coronary system, in any group. In contrast, 13.1±1.2% (mean±SEM) of infused platelets became adherent in low-flow perfusion in the control group without anaesthetic. The adherence was reduced with each 1 MAC isoflurane (to 6.2±1.2%), sevoflurane (to 4.4±0.9%) or halothane (to 3.2±1.5%) (each P <0.05 vs. control). Volatile anaesthetic, 0.5 MAC, did not inhibit platelet adhesion to a statistically significant extent in any case. Perfusion pressure and metabolic parameters were not statistically different between the control and the hearts exposed to anaesthetics.
Conclusion : Volatile anaesthetics in a concentration of 1 MAC can reduce the adhesion of platelets in the coronary system under reduced flow conditions. This action does not arise from vasodilation or inhibition of ischaemic stress.     

Bariatric Surgery in Some "Central and East-European (former Eastern bloc)"Countries - Current Status and Prediction for the Next Millennium

Background: Obesity is increasing globallly, including in the formerly "Eastern Bloc" countries. Methods: A survey was made of obesity and bariatric surgery. Results: In the 8 East and Central European countries studied, with total population 300 million, roughly 43% of the population was overweight (BMI 25-30), 23% obese (BMI > 30), with about 15 million people morbidly obese (BMI > 40). From 0-10 morbidly obese individuals/100,000/year undergo bariatric surgery. Conclusion: Most countries were found to provide inadequate treatment for obesity.The majority of the morbidly obese are not treated effectively. However, health-care awareness of obesity and bariatric surgeons are slowly increasing.     

Is the recovery profile of mivacurium independent of the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with normal plasma cholinesterase activity?

Background: The duration of action of muscle relaxants is poorly correlated to the rate of decay of their plasma concentration. The plasma concentration of mivacurium may rapidly decrease below its active concentration because of the extensive hydrolysis of mivacurium. By inflating a tourniquet on one upper limb for 3 min after the administration of atracurium, mivacurium or vecuronium, we studied the influence of the initial decline of their plasma concentration on their effect. Methods: In 50 patients anaesthetised with thiopental, isoflurane and fentanyl, the effect of bolus doses of 0.15 or 0.25 mg . kg^?1 mivacurium (MIV 15, MIV 25), 0.3 or 0.5 mg . kg^?1 atracurium (ATR 30, ATR 50) and 0.06 or 0.1 mg . kg^?1 vecuronium (VEC 06, VEC 10) were measured on both arms (evoked response of the adductor pollicis to train-of-four stimulation every 12 s), a tourniquet being applied on one arm just before and during 3 min after the muscle relaxant bolus. Results: Tourniquet inflation of 3 min almost abolished the neuromuscular effect of mivacurium. In the vecuronium groups and in the ATR 50 group, tourniquet inflation did not modify the maximum degree of depression of the twitch response. Also, the duration of action of vecuronium was unaffected by the tourniquet. In the ATR 30 group, times to return of the twitch response to 25% (duration 25%) and 75% (duration 75%) of control response were significantly shorter in the cuffed arm, 23 min vs 27 min, and 41 min vs 45 min, respectively. In the ATR 50 group, only duration 25% was significantly shorter in the cuffed arm (41 min vs 45 min). Conclusion: The results suggest that the rate of decline of the plasma concentration of mivacurium is so rapid, that a very low and almost clinically ineffective concentration is present as soon as 3 min after its administration. The results also indicate that the recovery from a mivacurium-induced neuromuscular blockade is not influenced by the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with genotypically normal plasma cholinesterase.     

Membranes in Artificial Organs

Abstract: Membrane processes play a pivotal and enabling role in modern replacement therapy for acute and chronic organ failure and in the management of immunologic diseases. In fact, virtually all contemporary extracorporeal blood purification methods employ membrane devices, and the next generation of artificial organs and tissue engineering therapies are almost certain to be similarly grounded in membrane technology. In this short essay, we comment on the similarities and differences among synthetic membranes and their natural counterparts and also provide a critical overview of the demographics and technology of hemodialysis, hemofiltration, apheresis, oxygenation, and emerging membrane technologies and applications.     

Influence of dopexamine hydrochloride on haemodynamics and regulators of circulation in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery

Background: Catecholaminergic support is often used to improve haemodynamics in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Dopexamine is a synthetic vasoactive catecholamine with beneficial microcirculatory properties. Methods: The influence of perioperative administration of dopexamine on cardiorespiratory data and important regulators of macro- and microcirculation were studied in 30 patients undergoing Whipple pancreaticduodenectomy. The patients received randomized and blinded either 2 μg · kg^?1 · min^?1 of dopexamine (n=15) or placebo (n=15, control group). The infusion was started after induction of anaesthesia and continued until the morning of the first postoperative day. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), vasopressin, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and catecholamine plasma levels were measured from arterial blood samples. Measurements were carried out after induction of anaesthesia, 2 h after onset of surgery, at the end of surgery, 2 h after surgery, and on the morning of the first postoperative day. Results: Cardiac index (CI) increased significantly in the dopexamine group (from 2.61±0.41 to 4.57±0.78 1 · min^?1 · m^?2) and remained elevated until the morning of the first postoperative day. Oxygen delivery index (DO₂I) and oxygen consumption index (VO₂I) were also significantly increased in the dopexamine group (DO₂I: from 416±91 to 717±110 ml/m² · m²; VO₂I: from 98±25 to 157±22 ml/m² · m²), being significantly higher than in the control group. pHi remained stable only in the dopexamine patients, indicating adequate splanchnic perfusion. Vasopressive regulators of circulation increased significantly only in the untreated control patients (vasopressin: from 4.37±1.1 to 35.9±12.1 pg/ml; ET-1: from 2.88±0.91 to 6.91±1.20 pg/ml). Conclusion: Patients undergoing major abdominal surgery may profit from prophylactic perioperative administration of dopexamine hydrochloride in the form of improved haemodynamics and oxygenation as well as beneficial influence on important regulators of organ blood flow.